About Kerry I. Rafanelli

Kerry I. Rafanelli is an establishing partner in the Rhode Island (RI) Law Offices of Rafanelli and Rafanelli. He is an experienced Rhode Island (RI) and Massachusetts (MA) trial attorney who handles cases in all areas of family law and also practices as a family law mediator assisting married couples, parents and domestic partners to resolve their issues amicably. Kerry has served as a Guardian Ad Litem in Rhode Island (RI) Family Court for the past 20 years, representing the best interests of children involved in custody and placement disputes.

In addition to family law, Kerry handles all Rhode Island and Massachusetts probate estate matters, including preparation of Wills, Trusts and Durable Care Powers of Attorney. Kerry I. Rafanelli also represents plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death matters, as well as District Court criminal misdemeanor matters.

Kerry graduated from Providence College in 1980 and received his Juris Doctorate cum laude from New England School of Law in Boston in 1983. He is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Federal District Court. He has served as an assistant city solicitor for the City of Warwick since 1988. His professional memberships include the

- Rhode Island Bar Association

-The Edward P. Gallogly Rhode Island Family Law Inn of Court; and

- Kent County Bar Association.

Kerry received the Kent County Bar Association "Lawyer of the Year Award" in 1999.

 

Awards

Reviews for Kerry I.

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 27 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
89%
4 stars
4%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
0%
1 star
4%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.8
Quality of Service
4.8
Responsiveness
4.8
Value for Money
4.9
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
August 10, 2013
Hired Attorney

Choosing the right attorney to represent your legal matter is extremely important whatever the situation. Mr. Rafanelli walked me through the entire legal process, gave me all the facts and coached me every step of the way. Emotions can run high during legal situations and having an attorney that guides you both legally and emotionally can be critical to the process. Mr. Rafanelli was my advocate, voice of reason, fought hard, didn't back down, and got me what was fair and just.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
January 03, 2013
Hired Attorney

Kerry was recommended to me by a friend. He did a great job. I would recommend him to a friend as well.

Trusts and Estates
Posted by anonymous
November 04, 2012
Hired Attorney

Mr. Rafanelli was very knowledgable and pleasant; qualities that gave me a sense of well being during his guidance.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 10, 2012
Hired Attorney

Attorney Rafanelli is very professional and he has the ability to make you feel comfortable even in the most uncomfortable of situations. Family matters are always difficult to face, but Attorney Rafanelli understands the complexities of family issues and helps you to address them with ease and understanding. He has incredible patience and makes sure that you understand the process every step of the way, allowing justice to prevail. Highly recommend his services for any legal issues.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
July 10, 2013
Hired Attorney

Kerry was very helpful in getting a beneficial outcome to my case and he was very good about answering all the questions I had to help ease my mind during the process.

Mediation
Posted by anonymous
May 15, 2025
Hired Attorney

Met with Attny Rafanelli to work on a divorce mediation. The initial meeting was sidetracked by his personal anecdotes repeatedly. The second meeting, he repeatedly interrupted me while being very friendly with the spouse I was divorcing. Additionally the materials we had sent to prepare and inform the discussion, had not been processed before the meeting but was processed during our meeting, burning a lot of time. I backed out of the process as it no longer felt impartial.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
May 13, 2015
Hired Attorney

Kerry Rafanelli had a great game plan while trying to get hired. Once he got some of my money in his hand the nightmare began. Kerry was very expensive and got zero issues resolved. He was very disrespectful and rude. Attorney Rafanelli never acted like he was working for me. I would strongly advise hiring anyone but Kerry Rafanelli, in my opinion he is very self absorbed and I definitely paid for those behaviors.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law
  • Other 3
    • Domestic Relations Law
    • Personal Injury Law
    • Probate

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1983, Rhode Island
    1983, U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
    2006, Massachusetts
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    New England School of Law
    Class of 1983
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Providence College
    Class of 1980
    B.S.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1958
    Providence, Rhode Island, September 28, 1958
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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Kerry I. Rafanelli has a 4.9 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Kerry I. Rafanelli has a 4.8 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Kerry I. Rafanelli attended New England School of Law.